Weinstein has wielded a position of power for decades in Hollywood (Picture: Getty Images)

The biggest story of the moment is indisputably that of the allegations of decades of sexual harassment and abuse brought against Harvey Weinstein from leading ladies in Hollywood.

For years, the producer was known as the larger-than-life mogul, famous for his volatile temperament and influence which led him to be labelled “God” by none other than Meryl Streep. From these allegations, it’s now clear that influence was used not just to make successful films, but to exploit and humiliate many young women fearful of his power.

It’s a revelation that has shocked Hollywood, but these actions are sadly not the first time a powerful man in the film industry has behaved abusively. Looking through its dark past, mistreatment of women has been rife in the film industry for as long as there have been movie productions.

Going back as far as the 1920s, when silent film superstar Fatty Arbuckle was charged with the rape and death of young actress Virginia Rappe; rumours and allegations of Hollywood icons with horrific attitudes toward women have persisted.

Affable crooner Bing Crosby was portrayed as a cruel, physically abusive man in a book written by his own son.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has consistently been dogged by stories of groping women, even addressing it in his campaign for Governor of California.

Modern stars such as Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp have both been accused with being violent towards their partners, and James Bond himself, Sean Connery, even gave a televised interview talking about his belief that open-handedly slapping a woman was ‘justified’.

The list goes on but the penalties, unfortunately, do not.

Schwarzenegger became Governor of California; Depp and Cage still have very active careers; Connery retired to the Bahamas as a Knight.

Mike Tyson, pictured here centre, is a convicted rapist but celebrated by Hollywood

Convicted rapist Mike Tyson became the zany comedy star of the Hangover movies. Even Halle Berry has refused to name the major star who physically beat her at the beginning of her career, leaving her with hearing damage.

This week videos surfaced of Ben Affleck groping a woman on television in the early 2000s; little was made of it at the time, and in the following years he went on to be the ‘comeback kid’ of the Oscars. He will also lead the Justice League next month.

When it comes to male stars’ legacies, Hollywood is keen to gloss over the past and place its favoured sons over non-famous female victims.

Weinstein’s allegations have also encouraged male celebrities to come forward, opening up about incidents with men in power which they felt unable to report.

James Van Der Beek ‎tweeted about being groped numerous times by executives and the ‘unwarranted shame’ it caused; while comedy actor Terry Crews took to the same platform to discuss being groped at an event as recently as last year, and feeling he had to let it go.

There was no one more revered or beloved than ‘America’s Dad’, however public opinion has put that affection aside, choosing to believe the accusers and question how Cosby could have managed to get away with so much for so long. Regardless of the outcome of eight civil suits and one criminal trial, the way we perceive him has been forever changed.

If there is anything to be taken from these incidents, it’s that this kind of behaviour can no longer be tolerated or ignored.

Weinstein must be the example Hollywood needs – that predators that hide in the shadows of The Hollywood Hills will be dragged out and held accountable; and that victims will feel safe enough to come forward without fearing for their career. Only then can an industry that purports to be forward thinking and empathetic begin to clean up its reputation.